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Become a Pro – at Stand Up Paddle Boarding with your Kids

As a working mom or dad, you may be struggling to make time for fun, fitness, and time with the family. Look no further than the sport of stand up paddle boarding!

I am a PRO at paddling with kids. And want you to become a pro, too. I was pregnant with Ziek (now 3) and already mom to Xander (now 6) when we opened Epic Boardsports on July 1, 2011. I have found over the years that the sport of stand up paddling is the perfect way to get time together as a family while staying fit. I wanted to write this blog entry to share with you the ways I have successfully spent many hours on the water with my kids:

Keep expectations low – especially at the start. Keep sessions short and sweet until the junior paddlers are acclimated.

Keep snacks, water, and maybe even a couple toys (for the younger, ride-along paddlers) on hand.

Use leashes. Younger paddlers may become fatigued, or the wind may change direction, leaving you to do most of the work for the paddle home. A leash can be a great tool to pull your junior paddler home.

Encourage them. (“Great work! Keep paddling! You’re doing awesome!”)

Scenery is key. Find a place to paddle that has an abundance of wildlife or other cool things to check out (dolphins, manatees, birds…..) Kids are more interested in the natural world than in becoming a proficient paddler.

Think dinner. If your kids like to fish, bring a pole along with you! They can catch dinner while you paddle!

Take breaks often – let them swim (this breaks up the activity) or just rest and ask them about their day before paddling some more.

Think light and sized right. If they have an interest in paddling their own board, get them the right equipment from the start. Sometimes a small surf sup for you can double as a flat water board for them.

Your kids will love the adventures that they can have on the Searcher, too.

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Paddling as a family is fun! Events with kids races help encourage them even more to keep paddling.The Jimmy Lewis Searcher has enough volume for the family, a cooler AND fishing gear!Race time with dad!If you time it right, you may even be able to take nap time to the water!!